"Neon Knights" by Black Sabbath: Guitar Lesson

"Neon Knights," released in 1980, serves as the opening track to Black Sabbath's ninth studio album, "Heaven and Hell." This was the first album with Ronnie James Dio as the vocalist, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. However, the main focus here is the guitar wizardry of Tony Iommi. "Neon Knights" is a high-energy track that comes straight out of the gate with force and power, largely attributed to Iommi's approach to the guitar. Lick Library tutor, Danny Gill, demonstrates every note, chord, and lick for this iconic track.

Chord Progressions & Scales

Right from the start, you hear an intro riff built around the A minor pentatonic scale. The verse quickly transitions to a progression that moves from E minor to G major and then to A minor. This fits well into the E natural minor scale, a favourite of Tony Iommi. The chorus is uplifting, based on a C - G - A - F chord progression, which lends a Mixolydian feel to the song.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo in "Neon Knights" is not just a display of technical skill but also a lesson in musicality. Iommi starts off with minor pentatonic licks, incorporating slides and bends. As he builds tension, he introduces diatonic notes, shifting to the E natural minor scale. The smooth transition between pentatonic and diatonic scales showcases his mastery over the fretboard.

While many guitarists often overuse techniques like sweep picking or tapping, Iommi focuses on phrasing and melodic development, incorporating sequences that move linearly up and down the neck. His use of double stops and unison bends adds texture to the solo, making it one of the most memorable pieces in the heavy metal catalog.

The Genius of Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi is a guitarist who needs no introduction. Having invented the genre of heavy metal, his approach to the guitar has always been innovative. In "Neon Knights," his playing style is aggressive but controlled. Iommi was one of the pioneers of down-tuning, but this track is in standard tuning, which allows for a brighter tone that cuts through the mix.

What's particularly remarkable is his ability to create memorable riffs. Whether it's the iconic intro riff or the backing riff during the solo, Iommi's writing is as catchy as it is technical. His use of palm muting and alternate picking adds that extra bite to the song, giving it the driving rhythm that Black Sabbath is known for.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions

From a guitarist's perspective, "Neon Knights" is not just a song but a textbook. Whether you're trying to understand how to create impactful riffs, how to switch between scales seamlessly in a solo, or how to use different techniques to enhance musicality, this track has it all. And all of this comes together through the virtuosic command of Tony Iommi, who has made an indelible mark on the history of rock and metal guitar.